This is a review of the 2 week intensive session for the Fencing
Master Certificate Program held earlier this month at Sonoma State
University, taught by Maestro John Sullins. This session was for 3
units, while 6 units are needed to take the Instructor's level
exam. It covered foil, epee, and sabre, with some brief forays into
rapier, smallsword, and singlestick.
There were 7 students enrolled in this session, with previous
Italian fencing experince ranging from months to years, and all had
studied in the Fencing Masters Program at San Jose State or under a
graduate of that program. Also, we were joined on several days by
Maestro and Maestra Sahm from San Jose, which was a grand experience
for those of us who had not worked with them before.
The session started by going over technique, terminolgy, and
organization per Gaugler's "The Science of Fencing", and then
shifted towards the pedagogical aspects that are the ultimate goal
of the program. Most of the class was practical, so we developed
and gave individual and group lessons, and received lots of
feedback. On the final day, we went though parts of a sample
instructor's exam, with lots of great input from Maestri Sullins and
Sahm.
I really enjoyed the program from top to bottom. Reviewing material
I was somewhat familiar with let me pick up new nuances in it, and
learning new material is always fun. Giving lessons, and getting
tips and commentary on pedagogy while doing so was particularly
interesting to me, and really highlighted the vast difference
between someone with some training who has done a lot of teaching
(me) and someone who is highly trained to teach this specific
subject (the maestros). It was also a great people event, meeting
and making friends others who share the same interests.
One goal of this program is to provide a schedule that can
accommodate people who don't have such programs available locally to
them. I'm not convinced that 2 weeks back to back is the best
approach, but it was what SSU had to start with. John has also
talked about possible 1 week sessions, as well as 1 unit weekend
sessions, but is still trying to find a balance between attendence,
retention, and success at passing an exam. If this program
interests you -- and it should :-) -- you should definitely contact
him with your input. This is a great opportunity, and I recommend
that anyone with an interest in teaching classical fencing strongly
consider attending this program.
-Eric Myers
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